News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 4 years ago
Home  » Cricket » When Wood bowled with bad knee at World Cup

When Wood bowled with bad knee at World Cup

Last updated on: January 20, 2020 17:25 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

'It was absolutely a risk worth taking. I wouldn’t swap it for anything. To be a World Cup winner, I’d take that any day of the week. Even if I didn’t play another game of Test cricket I’ve got that to look back on with great memories, the pinnacle of my career'

England's Mark Wood and team mates celebrates the wicket of South Africa's Kagiso Rabada during day 5 of the 3rd Test match between South Africa and England at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth on Monday. He finished the innings with figures of 3 for 32

IMAGE: England's Mark Wood and team mates celebrates the wicket of South Africa's Kagiso Rabada during day 5 of the 3rd Test match between South Africa and England at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth on Monday. Photograph: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images

Fast bowler Mark Wood said he has no regrets about aggravating a knee injury during England’s triumphant showing at last year’s World Cup final, even though it left him sidelined for six months.

 

Wood, who hurt his left knee and suffered a side strain during the victory over New Zealand at Lord’s in July, returned to the England line-up for the third Test against South Africa.

“I had three balls left and every ball I bowled it got worse. I knew it was pretty bad then, but it was the World Cup final, it’s your dream game and I didn’t want to limp off. So I got through those last three balls,” said Wood.

After undergoing surgery, he ended up missing the Ashes as he was out of competitive action until this week’s Test in Port Elizabeth.

“It was absolutely a risk worth taking. I wouldn’t swap it for anything. To be a World Cup winner, I’d take that any day of the week. Even if I didn’t play another game of Test cricket I’ve got that to look back on with great memories, the pinnacle of my career,” said Wood.

Wood made his presence felt quickly as he came in at number 11 and scored a breathtaking 42 runs off just 23 balls, including five sixes, as England declared on 499 for nine in their first innings.

“Absolutely loved it. I got 50 in New Zealand (in 2018) and the fact that you get 50 is great, but that (against South Africa) was great fun. I was just having a go.”

Wood bowled for the first time in a Test in 11 months and worked up some furious pace but did not take a first innings wicket.

But he clean bowled opener Dean Elgar as South Africa began their follow-on and then snagged Zubayr Hamza to begin the home team’s second innings slump.

Wood also took a difficult catch to dismiss South Africa danger man Quinton de Kock to put England on the brink of victory on Sunday, before finishing with figures of 3 for 32 as England hammered South Africa by an innings and 53 runs to go 2-1 up in the series.

But he said he was not sure with an aching body whether he would be fit for the final Test in Johannesburg, which starts on Friday, also given Jofra Archer is expected back in the England line-up.

 “Since I’ve been out of the team all I’ve done is concentrate on myself, trying get myself in the best place,” he said.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Bangladesh's tour of India 2024

Bangladesh's tour of India 2024